Yet another day of nothing interesting happening. I've been in this school for a whole week and the most exciting thing so far has been what food we would be served a day. That's also why I'm currently in the dining hall, waiting for Dravus to come in here and shoo the other students away. This past week, I was able to play my cards perfectly, making it look like Dravus and I have become close friends. The other students don't avoid Dravus out of disgust anymore but more because I would end up leaving them to interact with Dravus.

Unfortunately for me, however, they're starting to get a bit more daring. Not only is Dravus getting harassed as a side effect but some of the people here refuse the take the hint. I've been trying my best to push them away but Dravus is not making it easier for himself. Despite his poor showing in class, he still hasn't taken up my offer. Giving Dravus private lessons would give me so much time to relax. I'm a bit disappointed that Dravus is just as submissive as the rest of them but he serves his purpose at the moment.

What is taking him so long? He's usually here in the dining hall at this time. I don't think I can muffle out the noise from the crowd around me for too much longer. My magic can only take me so far. Something this precise will only last for another three minutes so where is he? I keep my eyes on the dining hall doors and students enter and leave with no sign of-

Dravus is here. Finally. I straighten myself up and smile as Dravus makes a beeline to my table. He seems...eager. Did something happen between him and Ruikan? Dravus walks straight over to the table I've been sitting at, pushing the other students the side and lightly slaps the table. He stares at me for a solid moment with the blank expression he had on the day we met.

"Hey Malik, I need some help," was what finally came out of his mouth. I haven't heard him call me Malik in a while. 

"What are you doing, disrespecting our Prince like that?"

"You can't just call our Prince by his name, you peasant!"

"Hurry and apologise before it gets any worse..."

I shake my head before waving the all the jealous students off of me. This is exactly what I've been waiting for and I wouldn't want to miss it. "What do you need help with Ritz?"

"I need some help with my magic control. You think I could just borrow you for a few moments?"

This is perfect! "Oh, sure. I'm done eating anyway. We can head to the dojo now before it closes." I stand up and tidy myself off, making sure I look presentable to the crowd as I make my leave. I am not going to deny that it is very unusual for Dravus to be talking to me in such an informal manner when compared to the previous times he's talked to me but I'm just relieved that something different is finally happening. I walk over to Dravus and give a small gesture for him to follow, which he quickly does.

"What do you need help with specifically? Is it your arms? Or do you need help with Soul Strengthening?" I ask. Dravus looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "Soul Strengthening?" Oh. Right. "Soul Strengthening is when you try to control the flow of magic within you as you draw more from it. Basically, increasing the magic you use while also controlling and reducing the self-damage you receive when using excessive magic. It's a basic technique in magic control that's being taught today," I explained. I'll need to be a bit slower with him. 

"If it's a basic technique being taught today, why haven't we covered it?"

"Well, that's because we're still in our "testing" phase as students. To see if how suited we are to this lifestyle that we signed up for in school." I watch as Dravus's mood worsens from that statement. He mumbles something under his breath which I manage to catch using my magic.

"Only the testing phase and I'm already getting kicked out." 

Dravus is getting expelled? Was that what Ruikan told him? That's why he needed help hm?  That's unfortunate. He's been putting in a lot of effort too. Only a week in and he's getting kicked out. I guess that's the standard this school has. Shame. I look over to Dravus and see a side of him I have yet to see before. He looks so troubled with his current situation. Having a big opportunity like this crumble in the first week must be tough for him.

"Let's start with that then, Malik."

I look back at Dravus and is met with his blank expression once again but this time there is a hint of determination to be found. A very familiar determination. "If you wish. For a beginner like you, however, it will be a tough trick to master," I warn. "It's no issue. I'm willing to try it."

<...............>

Once we reach the dojo, I'm surprised to see Relqis practising on her own. It's rather entertaining to see her brutalise the dummies present, once again proving that no one would dare mess with her. I sit Dravus down which he silently does so, awaiting further instruction. "Alright, let's first begin by calling for your magic but keeping it with you. Don't let it seep out." Dravus follows my instructions and begins the process. The feeling of magic from him shows up in my radar again. It's a very subtle feeling but I could still sense it anyway at my level.

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"Increase your magic now. Slowly." Dravus follows my instruction yet again but as expected, his trademark black smoke starts very subtlely seeping out of his arms. The feeling now is all the more present. "You're letting your magic escape Ritz. Retract your magic but keep at this level." Dravus tries to follow my instructions but seems to be having a lot more trouble now. He retracts his magic and calls for it again, once again getting the same result. "You're doing the same thing, Ritz. Retract your magic again and repeat the steps. You need to hold your increasing magic in. Put a cap on it."

Dravus tries again and again but fails every single time. Time and time again, he releases his magic but it always manages to seep out at the same level. However, improvement can be seen. With each attempt the magic that escapes decreases only for the cap to open a few moments later. His effort is admirable but not enough. 

It's never enough huh?

He stops again on his ninth try with sweat dripping down his forehead and onto the dojo floor. His breathing is laboured and he looks worse for wear. I can really sympathize his exhaustion. I've been through the same process after all. A sigh escapes my lips which unfortunately gets a reaction from Dravus. I'd rather not damage the relationship we have going right now. Especially since we're finally getting somewhere.

"Ritz, you can-"

"No wait, let me try again," he says. His voice is rough and his arms are shaking but the resolve in his voice is there. I shouldn't let him continue but...

He tries again. He clenches his fist and calls for his magic again. He's going at this all wrong, like how I did so many years ago. But his effort is paying off. His magic...his magic is not leaking?  How is this working for him? Has he figured it out or is he just using brute force? Look at him, tired and damaged, black streaks crawling up his arms...how much will does he have? 

A light slap on Dravus' head brings me back to my senses. This whole process has brought some unpleasant memories for sure. Nothing I can't handle. I look up to see that Relqis has appeared behind Dravus. "Don't be stupid, Ritz. You're pushing yourself too much," warns Relqis. Dravus looks up and a little 'huh?' escapes his lips as a sigh escapes from Relqis. "I get that you must be desperate Ritz but that is just gonna cause more harm than good," she warns Dravus

I shouldn't have known that. Shit. I can't let Relqis show me up in front of Dravus. "Leyna. Don't worry about it, I was watching him. I understand the process here better than anyone else," I inform Relqis. She looks up at me but avoids eye contact. "I'm...sorry. I mean, I apologise, my Prince. I...should not have interfered." Good. That was taken care off. 

Suddenly, Dravus looks up at Relqis and opens his mouth. "Thank you Leyna." was what finally came out. Relqis raises her eyebrow and gives Dravus another light slap to the side of his head which Dravus is too dazed to even register. She goes back to where she was previously training, finally leaving me alone with my pupil. 

"Are you tired Dravus? We could stop now if you want." If I'm really going to spend my time doing this, I would need evidence that you really want this. Dravus looks at the clock on the wall and returns his gaze to me. "We still have three hours. Are you okay with continuing to help me?"

I smile. "Of course"

<...............>

Dravus and I stay in the dojo for as much time as we could. Relqis left earlier than I expected, a passing glance was the only thing both Dravus and I get as a farewell. I look out the window and see the sun slowly setting in the horizon. I go to excuse Dravus from this session before a face I would rather not see shows up at the dojo. One look at Ritz and I realise that it's not a face he wants to see either.

"The two of you need to leave. Dojo hours are over." Ruikan walks over to me and Dravus' exhausted form. "It's good to see you're taking this more seriously Ritz." That was just plain wrong Ruikan and you know it. I look over to Ritz and see his blank expression make a reappearance yet the air of hostility around him is almost palpable. I'm not sure. The hostility might be mine. Ruikan continues his lecturing of Dravus. "Do remember to catch up on your magical theory as well."

Dravus stays quiet for a few solid moments and so does Ruikan. The air around us gets thicker and thicker, more from my own influence than anything before Dravus finally answers. "I'll remember to do that." Dravus stands up and stretches himself before making his way out of the dojo, his parting words being "I'll see you tomorrow Malik" which I wholeheartedly respond to.

"See you tomorrow too." Now it's just me and Ruikan. The two of us stare at each other for a long enough time before he finally starts speaking. "I didn't expect to still see your glare, even here." Good for him to notice. "What are you looking for Ruikan? You have a question on your mind don't you?"

"You know me too well, my Prince." A little smile forms on his face as my frown deepens immensely. "Excuse me for asking, my Prince, but why are you helping Dravus?" I stay silent for a moment. Why am I helping Dravus? I know why. 

"Does he remind you a bit too much of yourself?" Ruikan guesses. No. He knew. I turn my glare back to Ruikan but of course, his smile stays plastered on his face. "Are you going to stop me, Ruikan?"

"Of course not. Dravus is still my student. It would such a waste of potential to lose him so soon."

"So you give him an ultimatum?"

"You seem annoyed, my Prince. I'm sure you know that this doesn't really concern you."

"No. It doesn't. That isn't going to stop me. With my help, Dravus will get through this."

"What will Kalim say if he were to find out?"

I don't give a fuck what Kalim says. "I don't care what Kalim says. I'm capable enough to ensure that Dravus makes it through this school." Why am I so determined to help Dravus? I think I know why.

"Whatever you say, my Prince. I wish you luck on your endeavour." I hope that was sincere. I'm too unfocused to try and read him. Ruikan gives a small bow before gesturing for me to leave the dojo. I leave the dojo without looking back, content with the outcome of this quarrel against him.  

I guess I'm completely in this now. Helping Dravus through an impossible situation imposed on him by an unreasonable authority figure. With my guidance, he'll get through this. After all, this situation is all too familiar to me. All too familiar.